We lost because of Chakwera-Chilima coalition–APM
By Eric Msikiti and Serah Chilora:
Former President Peter Mutharika last night said his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lost the June 2020 presidential elections because of the coalition between President Lazarus Chakwera and Vice President Saulos Chilima.
On a night that saw the former governing party, which in recent years had been rocked by infighting, coming together for a fundraiser, the former head of state also had some choice words for the Tonse Alliance-led administration, claiming it is ‘clueless’ of how to fix the economy.
Mutharika was addressing members of the party during a Blue Night fundraising dinner at Mount Soche in Blantyre.
“We have the potential to get back into the government, but for that to happen, we have to raise adequate resources, we need enough money to finance the forthcoming convention and subsequent campaigns,” Mutharika said.
Mutharika said his party lost the election because Chilima contributed his 20 percent votes towards the Tonse Alliance coalition to make a 55 percent wining vote for them.
“We did not lose because I was the candidate, not at all, I went to great length to ensure that the party won the election, but it was Chilima’s 20 percent of the votes which took the victory away from us. I had 45 percent but when Chilima entered an alliance with Chakwera who had 35 percent from the 2019 general elections they made 55 percent and the DPP still got 45 percent. So stop saying the DPP lost because of Mutharika” he said.
Mutharika further said the party has been reviewed and that implementation of the recommendations awaits the National Governing Council.
“In 2025 we will come back with force. We will face this clueless and incompetent government which does not want to listen to the people,” he said.
Mutharika accused Tonse Alliance-led government of depleting forex, which he claimed his government had in abundance during its tenure.
“We left a lot of fuel in the reserves but now because of lack of forex the fuel queues are back, which is very pathetic.
He also called on the party to come up with a clear message on how it will deliver developmental projects and their time frames.
According to Mutharika, Malawians will need a clear message and pathway to development in 2025 hence the need for the party to have good candidates both at local and national level.
“In 2025, people will vote for substance and experience, no matter where the candidate comes from, so as a party, we will need strong and credible candidates if we are to win,” Mutharika said.
Efforts to speak to government spokesperson Moses Kunkuyu proved futile as he was not immediately available for a comment.
During the event, DPP raised about K15 million in donations from its members.
